The Lebanese Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, approved the 2026 state budget. The government imposed within the budget a 3 percent fee and tax on contracts, imports, and other items. Out of the estimated $5.65 billion budget, about $2.825 billion is allocated to cover salaries—approximately $250 million per month—for around 300,000 public sector employees, active and retired military personnel, and other retirees.
The budget also allocated about $50 million to the "Aman" program to support low-income households, in addition to large allocations for health, education, and the Lebanese University, while 11 percent of the budget was earmarked for investment.
